Vice Admiral Richard Breckenridge graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He also holds master’s degrees in engineering acoustics and electrical engineering from the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.

Breckenridge served on USS Hammerhead (SSN 663), USS Florida (SSBN 728) (Gold), and USS Philadelphia (SSN 690). He commanded USS Memphis (SSN 691) in Groton, Connecticut, where he conducted a U.S. Central Command deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Breckenridge also served as commodore of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 4 and commander of Submarine Group 2 in Groton.

His staff assignments include special assistant to the secretary of defense; special assistant to the director, Naval Reactors; chief of staff, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment Directorate (J8) on the Joint Staff; deputy director, Submarine Warfare Division (N87); director, Undersea Warfare Division (N97); and director, Warfare Integration (N9I) on the staff of the chief of naval operations.

Breckenridge assumed his current duties as deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in September 2015.

Breckenridge’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit.